Are we moving to a postcode lottery again….?

We all know that the NHS has to make some tough decisions! But to my surprise and shock (see the link below),  the BBC has reported once again that CCGs (NHS funders of the NHS trusts) have now decided to cut back on Hernia repair surgery. Using a basic scoring of pain tolerance, they are taking away the decision between consultant and patient and boiling it down to money. Can patients and consultants not decide anymore on what is best?

BBC Hernia article NHS

Only 9 months ago the NHS abolished Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMs) for Hernia, which allowed the benefits and outcomes for these patients to be measured. The removal of PROMs, was undertaken through consultation, but it was clear at the time that this collection of data was a costly process to run and to be honest, people did not use the scorings as they should. What needed to happen was a greater use of the data to demonstrate the benefits of this type of surgery. The key to success was using the power of advanced analytics. Also, this is where the medical device and other types of Medtech companies could provide support.

Clinical registries to prove the value of the surgery!

I am asked time and time again what can we (Medical device companies) do to help the NHS?

Well, how about coming together and funding this type of PROMs measure! Maybe even start to use the registry information collected by companies such as Dendrite – which is a world leading independent registry company. http://www.e-dendrite.com/

PbR ( Payment by Results) was always the funding mantra of the NHS trusts and was the mechanism by which they were paid. However, it has never been really about results, it has been more about the activity.

Therefore, if new medical technology can make a difference to the NHS, then let us make sure we wrap it in a clear and easy to demonstrate process. Not one that requires the  NHS to collect more Excel spreadsheets or upload to another portal!

Let's use the systems we have and bring this together, at pace, to deliver the opportunities and quick wins for patients and the health and social care system.

Sharing best practice is the only way to move forward at pace

So to be clear, we need a better way of sharing best practice! Although some of you will be thinking that this is the responsibility of NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) to complete. They do a fantastic job at reviewing new medical technology and have brought to the NHS many great innovations. However, there is still a hurdle to jump, as the hospitals don’t have to adopt the new approved technology. We need a better way of demonstrating the waste and savings if new technology is to be approved.

Health Analytical Solutions have the expertise and knowledge to demonstrate the missed opportunity. We can help put together a value proposition and business plan to show stakeholders the way forward. By unlocking the puzzle with our data scientists and skilled team, we can help carve out the path.

The opportunities are endless, but by removing surgery from the list of available procedures, just moves the problem into someone else's area, such as primary or social care!

If you want to know more about the way in which we can help you better understand this challenge then drop us a line here...

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Next week I’ll post about waiting list landscape and how the NHS is moving away from 18 weeks. Why not join our group on LinkedIn and be the 1st to see the blogs or follow us on twitter..

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